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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Merlin realize when he is at the battle of Maesbeli?

2. In this vision, which dragon does Merlin see winning?

3. What do Ambrosius' men do with the dead soldiers?

4. With whom did Brithael ride back?

5. What does Merlin NOT do upon his return home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What news does the real Brithael give to the Lady Ygraine?

2. What happens in the battle between Merlin and Brithael?

3. What does Merlin do when he arrives home?

4. What happened to Vortigern and the Queen?

5. How is Lady Niniane described in this section?

6. What happens to Dinias?

7. Why was Killare thought of as a holy place?

8. What happens to Ambrosius?

9. How would Merlin's mood be described as Uther is with Ygraine?

10. When Merlin is told the men think of him as a prophet, what does Merlin think?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Crystal Cave is not only the title, but also a major setting in this story. To Merlin, it is a sort of birthplace for his powers and also a place where he restores himself.

Part 1 - Describe the appearance of the Crystal Cave and how Merlin came to find it in the first place.

Part 2 - Give at least 3 examples of lessons Merlin learned while in the Crystal Cave.

Part 3 - What do you think the Crystal Cave represents in the story? What is the larger metaphor for the cave's presence?

Essay Topic 2

Many men in this story are betrayed, even by those they thought were closest to them.

Part 1 - Give three examples of characters who were betrayed, who they were betrayed by, and what happened to each.

Part 2 - What does the theme of betrayal seem to say about this time period?

Part 3 - Is betrayal avoidable in this story? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout history, Merlin has been regarded as a magical figure. But during this novel, it seems he is far more complicated than his mythology seems to indicate.

Part 1 - Give three examples of ways in which Merlin is a mystical character. How do you define mystical?

Part 2 - Is Merlin magical? Why or why not?

Part 3 - Does Merlin's reputation come in handy? When? Does Merlin use it to his advantage? When? Is this the right thing for him to do?

(see the answer keys)

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